"It got the job done. All of their information and databases were thoroughly destroyed. All of their research was lost. A number of their researchers were killed… Henson-san was among the casualties… there's no way they could recover within ten or fifteen years. If that soon."

"And about this Lawrence-san who was always in your reports?"

"He was found dead in his bed. No one can figure out the motive, or whodunnit," said Joker cheerfully. "Police think it's a bit suspicious he was killed the same day of the explosion… but they can't pinpoint anything."

"And how did your cover get blown?" asked Kurei. "Don't tell me they decided to randomly bug your suite after so many months of faithful service. They had to have a reason."

Joker's face took on a more concerned look. "Before Lawrence-san's mysterious demise, I finally managed to get some information from him I'd been wanting for a long time. The original name for the project was Operation Mugen… based on the name of the madougu they were trying to copy."

Behind his mask, Kurei's face remained cold and impassive, but both Neon and Joker could tell that he was silently digesting this new information. "So what you're saying…"

"You might want to keep a closer eye on Genjuro-san in the future," said Neon. "I'm assuming that's how they also discovered who we were." Her eyes had a steely look to them.

Kurei nodded. "I'll turn the plans over to my scientists," he said. "Arigatou, for a job well done. You may go."

Joker and Neon glanced at each other. "Hai," they said submissively, and left.

Joker draped his arm around Neon's shoulders. "So, our divorce doesn't become final for another hour," he said. "You want to go upstairs for some marital bliss before we call it quits?"

Neon shrugged herself free. "I don't remember any marital bliss in the first place," she replied, scowling, as they walked down the hall.

"Admit it… every day, it was a joy to wake up in my warm, strong arms-"

"-Freezing cold, because you stole all the blankets and kicked them onto the floor-"